My digital camera abilities are limited, something I need to work on for sure. The image at left is "good enough" to give the viewer an idea of my latest piece. The wet spots were reflecting light when I took it, and I was too lazy to try again.
She's 18 X 18 and meant to be hung on the diagonal but I can't figure out how to move the image here. She's a gift for a friend and I finished her on my "perfect vacation."
I had the opportunity to spend February school break with six artists in an oceanfront mansion in Freeport. Plenty of studio space for everyone, terrific meals in the evening, wine sipping in front of the fire, cribbage and scrabble, painting all day, no household obligations, no dog attached to my hip all day (I took him to a doggie motel for the week as my husband was away), conversation, creative energy flowing, laughter, an evening of visiting with friends invited for a Champagne Thursday, a full body massage by a great therapist, long hot showers (some enjoyed the jacuzzi tub), and the place was only 45 minutes from home. The view was quite similar to the one I enjoy from home, I felt like I was in familiar surroundings. No day of travel to and from, no airports, bus terminals, hailing cabs. Winter was outside, but our space was warm and filled with energy. I enjoyed the time, and have brought it home with me. I elected to share my room, so the week cost me less than $200 plus the cost of one dinner for all, and my snacks and drinks. Perfect or what?
Every artist had her own style or working, some were fast, some applied one brush stroke at a time, and everyone was working with different types of images. I was influenced, and have even begun a still life which I look forward to finishing at some point. Unusual for me. Possibilities are endless.
I also attended a Touch Drawing Workshop with Debra Koff Chapin at the Rowe Conference Center in Massachusetts at the end of January. I've since enjoyed working with my drawings, a cosmic coloring book. I've written about Touch Drawing in previous posts ... but can't skip the opportunity to put a link here http://www.touchdrawing.com and in Maine, http://www.creativespiral.net.
I was pleased to share the process of Touch Drawing with four people during my vacation as well. Two of the other artists in the group had already attended workshops. The process is just that, a process. There are times product is a result. I've found the benefit of the process is the fall out from looking at your drawings - having a conversation with yourself and/or your soul. I am moved forward ... the what if I? ... and then act on impulse. The idea or thought never to be ignored. I like to keep pushing into methods of visual expression and art. I'm not always comfortable, and there are times a piece appears to belong in the circular file, but I keep going with it, enjoying the time, and eventually ... something great emerges or it does belong in the circular file. The time spent is never wasted, as more "what if I?" always swirl around in my head and energize my hands. Back to Touch Drawing ... it is done with your hands and body, there is no pencil or brush between your energy and the page.
I've been in my normal routine for a week, but the pleasure I enjoyed is very present and lives on. I don't post to this blog very often ... but now that I've gotten over the "I need a perfect digital image" I believe I will enjoy sharing and contemplating my own process and progress by writing.
I've also decided to take a workshop this summer when Don Hatfield visits Maine. We watched one of his demonstration videos which was informative and hilarious at the same time. I am fascinated by the way he moves paint on the palette and canvas, and look forward to learning in person. There is always a different method to add to my experience. My desire is to have a wealth of applicable methods to accomplish what I imagine on canvas or another surface. I think there's no better way to learn that from someone who is willing to share their knowledge and experience.
I have much activity planned in the future as I work in the present.
One of my favorite pieces ... finding my way back to work. I have several "in progress" but am relaxing for the moment. I've been reading blogs, but didn't have anything to say. Don't know if I do today either. I admire the persons that write everyday. I know writing helps you organize your thoughts, get them in a record of sorts. I've only written about my work. It is my life.
I wonder what people do that do not have a creative pastime. Be it writing, painting, poetry or music. Cooking can be included in the creative category. It certainly is more fun with the attitude it's not a chore.
The piece at left I titled "Three's a Crowd." I see three figures there, two female and one male. It's a crowded piece. I'm not titling all of my work, unless something comes to mind.
The holidays are done, and winter has set in. The cold is bone chilling. I do not like to go outside. Your nose freezes and your skin hurts. I so appreciate a warm home. The office where I do work is also warm. It's the car and walking in and out. There was a time I was outside no matter what the weather. Age changes a lot of things. Not in a bad way ... it's just different.
With the smaller image, I can see many more figures ... a painting is seen by an individual, and each sees it differently. I think that is the basis of my pleasure in working. My images don't exist anywhere in sight, only on the canvas. I love to look at the art of others ... I feel I can get to know them. If I've seen your art, and we meet, I already know you. Is it intentional? Is everything intentional?
When I begin a piece, it is done without intention. Intention comes as I work with it. When I come to a face ... and develop it ... I hear things like ... my eyes are two close together, my eyebrows are too thick, my nose isn't that wide, my bottom lip is fuller, my ears don't stick out, my hair is blonder, blacker, red etc. I know it is myself talking with myself. That's part of my process. Process is the most important in my work. If the work is flowing, I feel good, if I'm having a hard time, I don't. Enough rambling for today.
I am going to get more friendly with my digital camera and share some works in progress. I think I may incorporate a blogging step. Might keep me more organized. Cheers!
This was the piece the owner of the gallery choose for the postcard invitation to my solo exhibit. I sent him several digitals to choose from. There are many accidents in this one, that came together well. I was showing a friend how I painted water. Then I got carried away with the paint. We were at a pond camp, and painting without stop for a couple of days. It was her first experience with oils.
The exhibit will be hung tomorrow ... I've been into the gallery a few times in the past week, but have no idea how I'm going to put this all together. I have several different styles, none that fit any category. Many artists have a "body" of work. I have almost 50 pieces ready to hang, some of them fit together, some do not. It's all the experimentation that thrills me. I've curated many exhibits, but never of my own work, except the display at the "sunshine" art festivals. I've always let someone else do it. I have enlisted the help of a good friend, with a great eye for placement and flow. We've worked together several times. I'm so grateful he has agreed to help out.
Getting ready is so much work. Framing, wrapping for transport etc. The hardest part was deciding what to take and what to leave home. Then there's the pricing. Most of them already had prices, and I left them alone even though the gallery will take a percentage. The economy isn't very healthy where I live and I face the age old dilemma of ... if you price low, your work isn't valuable, if you price high ... regular people can't afford it. Keeping my goal of sharing my work, and having original art in regular places like homes and businesses, I've decided to price fairly low.
I am looking forward to visiting with friends, and seeing so much of my work hung in one place. The reception's this Friday evening and Saturday ... an artist's work is never done.
I've been reading several blogs that the author is wondering why they're writing. I write to share my process, excitement when something new comes along, it's like wanting to tell Mom or Dad or Grandma what's going on. Problem is, I don't have a Mom, Dad or Grandma any more. So I write a bit ... knowing a few people might read it. It's the connections made that make it worth it. Even one!
That thought brings me to visual conversation. I've written about that process before. The energy generated is terrific. I think it is because you know someone is going to view your art work and respond to it with work of their own. Once the circle begins, it ripples into your entire life. It definitely helped me through some difficult times.
There were several frames with no glare Plexiglas glazing I used to cart around to the outdoor shows. Eventually the Plexiglas would get scratched, and there were some pieces I sold without the frame.
This piece is a piece of painted Plexiglas, no glare (scratched) side as the back, and you look through the shiny side at the image on the paint. There is no "painting." I put a piece of gray colored mat board behind the plexi for color and protection, and back into the frame it went. This is one that I have kept for myself, it looks great in my living room. It's the last one I have. I did several ... I painted the "main" image and then poured on the background. Lots of surprises. I was reminded this past week while putting inventory together for my show, how much fun it was. And, the marvelous results.
I had several of my sheet canvas oils mounted on a backing so I could frame them without a mat and/or glazing for my upcoming solo show. Thinking about what needed was the reminder of the scratched Plexiglas. I placed the frame order this afternoon. Just simple silver and gold metal frames. The discount warehouse where I get my frames had some beautiful gold wood frames that were 18 x 24, I needed three, and they were only $8 on sale. That was an on the spot decision. I had planned on using gold metal. There are more framing options with sheet canvas, you don't need a rabbit as deep. I've committed to the show now ... as 37 of the pieces I've chosen were not framed. I only show so much outdoors, and interchange frames each season. It's a whim, and you never know what some one will be attracted to.
On another note, the second exhibit where I work a few days a week, is hung and the reception is over. All the arrangements made my last two weeks a bit crazy. I receipted new work, checked out work that left, but this time I did it taking a few minutes here and there out of my regular workday. That meant shorter lunch breaks, and no other breaks during the day. It took another morning to curate and hang everything. Three of the exhibiting artists were on hand to help out. We arranged the show by "committee." Every piece has a space that shows it off. All four of us agreed on each placement. The reception was sparsely attended, but I hope that as the exhibits are publicized in the future, this will improve. We don't have a budget for advertising either and rely on the goodwill of the local radio stations and newspapers. There were a few first time exhibitors. There's no jury, no fee and no commission. This is not a gallery space, the lighting is poor, but it is a space to display the work of local artists. The employees that work in the building appreciate it. It's a non-profit service organization and there's no money for decorations of any sort. This time there were 21 artists participating.
I've probably written about art in everyday places before, but I think it's important. People need to see how energizing it is. The title of the current exhibit is "Comfort, Woe and Wonder." The interpretations had many surprises. I choose the title as a lead in to the services offered by the organization, but artistically it could be anything. There are oils, watercolors, pastels, graphite, charcoal and glazed earthenware. There is even a recycled antique mill window, which was part of a large project a couple of years ago. That's another story for another day. We'll do it all again at the end of February, or the beginning of March. I need to come up with a title for the next exhibit soon, and get a call for artists out. Does anyone remember an exhibit title they especially liked that is very open to interpretation but is catchy for press releases?
I had a silver frame, double mat and the wrong painting in it. I used the frame so I could hang the piece in a juried show a couple of years ago. It's been sitting around gathering dust and dog hair.
I've recently been going through my work and deciding what I will include in my upcoming exhibit. (What I'll pay out cash for frames, etc.) so they can be hung.
I came accross this piece I'd done a few years ago, when I was working on a fabric washed in acrylic that was mold and rot proof with oils. It acted like unprimed canvas with the paints and I liked that. I did several pieces, but got tired of stretching the fabric, and returned to the customary canvas.
To fit into the frame I already have, the edges needed to be painted out. That was my project for the afternoon. Everything event has a reason, and today I realized how much I missed working with the fabric. I have a couple of rolls of it ... I bought it at a fabric warehouse. The painting on my previous post would have been fun to do on it. I did call it done with a few minor adjustments. I am pleased with that one.
Just thinking for a minute that I would try the same type of scene on fabric, reminded me that nothing I do can be recreated by me. I have no formula paintings. I have a color formula, I only use three primaries and white ... that's enough color on the pallette for me. I've been using same three colors for years, only once in awhile adding some other primary to the mix. Today I learned that is a good thing, painting those edges was easy. The same colors were already on my pallette.
I haven't titled this piece yet, because I frankly don't know what it is. I think it has something to do with the sound of the ocean. That makes me think, I haven't been to the ocean yet this year and it's only an hour and a half drive from home. Oh, I've been close, but always in a bay situation. It smells good, but there's no sound or grand movement. Maybe that's why I pulled this out of the stack of rejects, and considered it again when looking for something to put in a perfectly good frame. It's small enough, 18 x 24, so won't stretch it but will put it in the mat and under no glare plexiglass.
I thought the larger pieces would take a lot of time ... but I will share I painted very little of my previous post with a brush. Most of it was done with a rag. I find I like the method, and will be experimenting to see what I can do.
My social life is beginning to interfere with painting time ... or looking at another way, it makes my painting and creating time precious. I know I need to have the painting time ... it makes me feel great. Some people get a natural high from running or exercise, in the studio is where I find mine.
My thanks for the comments on my last post ... I'm so inspired by all the blogs I follow on an irregular basis. I am beginning to enjoy my reading more and more each day.
Thanks Susan, for getting me started.
I've finally gotten back to painting. When I do pick up a brush, I don't know why I avoided it. It's been months since I've been interested in spending much time in the studio. Here is an in progress work I began on Friday. It's 30 x 30 in oil. It's always a question - what do I what to paint - this began with the bluish background and developed from there. I'm not sure where I'll take in from here, it could be finished. This isn't a real place, but the scene is an easy memory to recall. I've seen many versions in many places, and needed a place to escape. It is unusual for me to paint landscapes of any type, even imaginary ones. I'll let this dry for a few days or more and get back to it. There are some messy parts that need to be defined.
My friends have been out plein aire, but I find the studio more comfortable. I have other outside activities. And ... I finally cleaned up my work space. I'd been avoiding painting, and preferred to read all about what others were doing. I'm not sure what will come next, but I have plenty of canvas and paint.
I'm slowly getting ready for my December show. Have begun the process of what to frame and what to leave behind. Of course I have a budget too, and am happy most of my latest pieces have been done on gallery wrapped canvas. All I have to do is attach the eye screws and wire, and I can hang it.
The exhibit where I work will come down at the end of October. I plan to take pictures of it before it does, and then get some "before" pictures before the next exhibit is hung. I'm looking forward to seeing new works and curating the exhibit. I also have the opportunity to see many of the artists I have come to know over time, and have short visits. The weather in Maine has definitely turned towards fall, but we had some glorious days of summer in September. This has been one of the most pleasant summers I remember since moving here well over 30 years ago.
The summer show season is over and I breathe a sigh of relief. I still haven't completely cleaned out my car, but that can wait. I need to clean a space in the garage for my tent and sides first.
I've posted this piece, title Indigo Rhythm, 24 x 18 on sheet canvas because it was the center of my summer display and I sold it at the last show. Many people had commented on how much they liked it, it drew attention for sure. A couple had come by and I guess I didn't notice them ... after awhile, I can't remember who was in my space or not. They said ... We really like this one. Used to such comments, I replied .. Thank you. Then they said they REALLY liked it. I still didn't get it. They then said they'd been by before and wanted to buy it. I got it then and said ... let me get a bag, and off it went.
An artist's work is never done. I need to create something as attention getting for the future. I know this will never be repeated. I've tried on occasion to duplicate something, and have always failed miserably. I have to assume it's because I never set out with an intention but let the images flow.
I may now have the energy to clean my studio, and actually get back to working. I solved the problem of moving the vaccum cleaner from floor to floor by taking some of the cash from this sale and purchasing a machine for my studio, that will remain in my studio. I got a good one, and tried it out this afternoon. I didn't get all the cobwebs, and didn't try to pick up and order things, but got the worst of the dog hair sucked up. I have an English Setter that is joined to my hip when I'm home, and he sheds, and sheds, and sheds, and sheds. Too many of my paintings get so full of dog hair, I spend almost as much time picking it out as painting.
I can relax ... I've reviewed my inventory and have enough to put on a good show in December, as long as I frame several more pieces that are in my portfolios. I've hung almost everything hangable in the front entryway of my house ... I have a nice long wall open to a wide staircase with a picture rail. It's a lot, but I like looking at my work everyday. I have a few other pieces hung around the house but also have work by other artists.
I've been to a Touch Drawing Circle, and although I haven't used that process in a couple of years, it felt so good to roll out the paint, lay the tissue paper, and then draw. The images in several are worth enhancing, so I've brought out my pastels, and will set them with oils. It's like looking for images in the clouds, and always a surprise, as more come to light as you work on the piece. It's relaxing and thought provoking, sometimes wondering where the image came from ... of course, it's always from within the drawer.
I painted a piece while at the ocean once. I was more interested in the sound of the waves at high tide than the actual landscape. I finished it in the studio and titled it ... High Tide. On a subsequent visit to the same location, I took another path to the ocean and there was my painting ... a different view painted before I saw it. The same thing happened this weekend ... I'd painted the river view from my bedroom window, but left out the trees that would have been in the foreground. We had to fix a retaining wall in the yard, and the trees had to go. There was my painting. Our view is clear now. I liked the trees, but also like this new view that's all open. Change is good, even if you don't want it. I'd thought the trees were beautiful and they were, planted by a bird several years ago. Nice Paper White Birches. If it's meant to be, more will grow and the view will change again.
Before my mind wanders any further ... and this gets to be a novel ... I have a supper to fix.
